News Item

The southern portion of the Machete Ridge rock formation and access trails are closed to all climbing and off-trail hiking.

Announcing 2018 Climbing Closures

posted: January 11, 2018

On January 9th the Park shared their press release announcing the 2018 Climbing Advisory closures. FOP will, of course, continue to provide the latest information associated with the closures throughout the coming year.

Here is the release in its entirety:

CLIMBING ADVISORIES IN EFFECT

Annual measures to protect nesting raptors of Pinnacles National Park will be reinstated as of January 16, 2018, according to Park Superintendent Karen Beppler-Dorn. Last year 6 pairs of Prairie and Peregrine Falcons produced a total of 22 fledglings. Additionally, the park had successful nesting by American Kestrels, Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Long-eared Owls. Park researchers will continue to monitor raptors to better understand these interesting and beautiful birds. "We ask you to refrain from any off-trail hiking and climbing in sensitive areas which include the High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, the Piedras Bonitas Cliffs, Goat Rock, Resurrection Wall, Little Pinnacles, and the Egg Rock/Teapot Dome areas," said Beppler-Dorn. "Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is," Beppler-Dorn continued.

The specific locations of these sensitive areas are posted on information boards at trailheads, at the visitor centers, on the web at www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling (831)-389-4486.

For more information regarding the park's raptor monitoring program, please call the office of Research and Resource Management at 831-389-4486 extension 270.